Special to Northeast News
By State Rep. Jason Holsman
June 28, 2012

Earlier today the United States Supreme court ruled that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional. This victory for American citizens represents the largest reform effort in generations. Soon Americans will never again be denied health care or charged more due to a pre-existing condition, like cancer or diabetes.

The Affordable Care Act sets a framework in place to ensure insurance companies no longer have the ability to cancel your policy, deny your coverage, or charge women more than men. It allows children to  stay on their parent’s coverage until age 26.  

“With today’s landmark decision the state of Missouri can finally move forward on implementing health care exchanges,” said Rep Holsman. “Change never comes easy, and this fight for the future of America’s health is not over. Today’s decision is an enormous step in the right direction and I applaud the determined and unwavering efforts made by our President.”

Impact of the American Affordable Care Act:   
•Preventive care will still be covered free of charge by insurance companies–including mammograms for women and wellness visits for seniors 

•By August, millions of Americans will receive a rebate because their insurance company spent too much of their premium on administrative costs

•Many seniors will continue to save $600 a year on their prescription drugs  

•Efforts to strengthen and protect Medicare by cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse will remain in place

•Millions of young adults will still be able to stay on their family’s plan until they’re 26

•The Court has issued a clear and final ruling on this law. The last thing Congress should do is refight old political battles and start over on health care by repealing basic protections that provide security for the middle class.  Right now, Congress needs to work together to focus on the economy and creating jobs.

•A major impact of the Court’s decision is the 129 million people with pre-existing conditions and millions of middle class families who will have the security of affordable health coverage.

The Security of Affordable Coverage – Benefits & Protections by the Numbers:
•$10.7 billion has been recovered by cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare all while securing and protecting the benefits seniors have earned

•86 million Americans have benefited from free preventive services like mammograms for women or wellness visits for seniors

•17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage

•12.8 million Americans will benefit from rebates because their insurance company spent too much of their premium dollars on administrative costs or CEO bonuses.

•6.6 million young adults have the security of coverage until age 26

•5.3 million Americans on Medicare have saved an average of $600 on their prescription drugs

•70,000 Americans with pre-existing conditions now have the security of coverage